Insights By Custom Media

Inspired


The SaaS Source: May 2026

This month’s roundup covers the latest innovations and developments from Japan’s SaaS industry, including a cloud hospital platform closing a ¥3 billion Series C on the back of new government digitization mandates, an all-in-one hospitality SaaS raising its Series A amid Japan’s inbound tourism surge, a sales AI agent attracting regional bank CVCs with early ARR traction and a CRM automation pitch and a seed-stage startup that lets SaaS companies plug generative AI camera vision into their existing products without building the infrastructure themselves.

The SaaS Source: May 2026

Cybersecurity Compliance for Foreign Firms Entering Japan

Entering Japan's market means navigating a patchwork of cybersecurity laws, from the far-reaching APPI to sector-specific ESPA requirements. Unlike the US or EU, Japan has no single overarching framework, making compliance both nuanced and critical. For foreign firms, getting it right isn't just a legal obligation. It's the foundation of trust in one of the world's most reputation-driven business environments.

Cybersecurity Compliance for Foreign Firms Entering Japan

Episode 11 – Japan’s Talent “Epidemic” (and How to Fix It), with Dr. David Sweet

Japan’s talent shortage is not a pipeline problem. It is, in David Sweet’s words, an epidemic and most foreign companies are making it worse by using the wrong tools and hiring for the wrong tasks.

Episode 11 – Japan’s Talent “Epidemic” (and How to Fix It), with Dr. David Sweet

The SaaS Source: April 2026

April 2026's Japan SaaS roundup covers a Series A for a satellite data platform backed by NTT Docomo and JR East, a scholarship management SaaS closing its Series B, a Niigata-based 3D decision-support platform raising its first-ever outside capital, and construction SaaS giant rolling out AI agents across its platform.

The SaaS Source: April 2026

Episode 10 – B2B Buyer Journey Reset: How AI Is Driving the Silent Shortlist, with Halel Porat

B2B buyers are already 60 to 80% through their decision before they ever contact your team. In Episode 10 of the Asia AIM Podcast, Trendemon COO Halel Porat explains how the rise of AI is reshaping the B2B buyer journey and what marketers need to do right now to stay visible.

Episode 10 – B2B Buyer Journey Reset: How AI Is Driving the Silent Shortlist, with Halel Porat

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Interviews

Interview: Robert Heldt

The most important skills are creativity, thinking outside the box, and the ability to gain a deep understanding of the problems and challenges the client is facing.

Interview: Robert Heldt

Interview: Simon Farrell

I’ve spent about 18 years in Japan, over three stints since 1987. After graduating from the London School of Journalism in 1992, my first job was as a stringer in Havana, Cuba, for the Daily Telegraph.

Interview: Simon Farrell

Meet Custom Media's Strategic Account Director

I take care of our bigger clients and I promote the company to interest new clients. I also have a passion for events.

Meet Custom Media's Strategic Account Director

News

Custom Media Launches Content Marketing Report

Insightful survey reveals insights from the Japanese media landscape

Custom Media Launches Content Marketing Report

Custom Media Wins Gold and Bronze at London Awards

Creative marketing and communications agency Custom Media won two top prizes at the annual Digital Impact Awards Asia.

Custom Media Wins Gold and Bronze at London Awards

Tokyo-Based PR Agency Custom Media Joins Public Relations Network

The Public Relations Network (PRN) announces today that Custom Media in Tokyo, Japan, has joined its network of international PR agencies.

Tokyo-Based PR Agency Custom Media Joins Public Relations Network